How It Works: September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. This
unit offers a piñata full of activities that will help teachers focus
attention on the contributions of people of Hispanic heritage to the history
of the United States. Today, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than
37 million people in the United States are of Hispanic origin. That's about
ten percent of us! Teaching of the contributions of Hispanic Americans, and
learning about the cultures from which they come, will be the focal point of
many classroom activities and discussions in this unit. So what are you
waiting full, grab hold of one of the strings and pull for a handful of
special treats!

Standards: Defines words that are related to culture, customs and traditions.
Identify customs, arts, and traditions of selected groups including
Hispanics. Recognize that Dade County contains a diversity of people who
have contributed to its cultural heritage. Recognize and give examples of
the interdependence of people in our community. Discuss the cultural
traditions of members of the class. Investigate reasons for immigration.
Discuss the importance of knowing about one's cultural heritage.

Students:This project is suitable for the intermediate grades in elementary school
and can be adapted for middle school students as well. The lessons take into
consideration the different learning styles of students. Students can be
grouped in order to complete projects or they can be done individually.
Students will need basic skills in reading and writing as well as
technology.

Overall:This unit contains activities that teachers might use to explore Hispanic
heritage. But these activities -- which touch on the people, the statistics,
the Internet resources -- are just the tip of the tortilla. Feel free to
pick and choose, and (by all means!) to adapt these ideas in any way. Use
these activities as a jumping-off point for a real fiesta celebrating and
honoring the contributions of Hispanic Americans! Buena suerte!

Tips:Conduct basic training on Internet navigation prior to beginning unit.
Check all links to make sure they are still active. Have all printables
ready for students. Share the rubrics provided for each project so that
students are well aware of expectations.

About the Teacher: Rosa M. Sampedro has been teaching in the Miami-Dade Public School System
for 19 years. She received her Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree from
Florida International University. She is the Technology Specialist and
Activity Director. She is also the Parent Trainer and School Site
Coordinator for the Citibank FamilyTech program in her school. She is
currently the Lead Teacher for the "I Choose" Dual Language Program at Lorah
Park Elementary School.

Subjects: Social Studies & Foreign Language

Grade Levels: 3 - 9

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